Health NZ – West Coast

Health NZ – West Coast This is the official Health NZ - Te Tai o Poutini West Coast page. Please note this page is only monitored during working hours.

This West Coast DHB page is to assist staff, our community and potential staff to keep in touch with each other and keep up to date. It is not a page to make official complaints or for booking medical appointments. The West Coast DHB has the right to remove any comments that are offensive or inaccurate.

Scabies is a tiny mite that causes a very big itch! There have been reports of scabies around recently, so it's importan...
24/06/2026

Scabies is a tiny mite that causes a very big itch! There have been reports of scabies around recently, so it's important to know the signs and how to treat it properly.

The main symptom to look out for is an itchy rash that mostly affects the arms, legs and torso. Have one already? See your healthcare provider so they can check for scabies or other conditions.

If scabies is confirmed, it can be easily treated with these steps:

✅ Treat it with a cream to kill the mites (pharmacies may offer subsidised advice and treatment)

✅ Treat everyone in your household at the same time

✅ Treat clothing and bedding in a hot wash or dryer; or by freezing or bagging

✅ Vacuum carpets, mats and sofas

✅ Remember to treat car seats too.

To make sure you get rid of the scabies mites completely, see more detailed info on how to treat them: http://spr.ly/6189BDepsU

23/06/2026

There is no better protection from the flu, than the flu vaccine.

Dr Ramon Pink, Medical Officer of Health, explains why annual flu vaccination is important, especially for children (from 6 months of age).

You can get you and your family's flu immunisations through your usual GP or doctor, Hauora Māori or Pacific health provider, pharmacists, and you can also book online at bookmyvaccine.nz.

Today we’re celebrating Resident Doctors’ Day 🎉Resident doctors – or RMOs – are doctors who have graduated from medical ...
23/06/2026

Today we’re celebrating Resident Doctors’ Day 🎉

Resident doctors – or RMOs – are doctors who have graduated from medical school and are in the early stages of postgraduate training. They play a vital role in caring for our communities every day.

They bring skill, clinical judgement, compassion and dedication, often in fast-paced and demanding environments. Their work spans the whole health system – from ED and hospital wards to primary care, rural settings and specialist services.

As RMO Erica Laing shared:
“I think people often assume rural placements will be scary, but it’s been such a positive experience. The team is really friendly and supportive, and being in a smaller hospital means we get lots of hands-on learning opportunities.”

With around 5,000 resident doctors across Health New Zealand, they’re a big part of keeping things running and supporting whānau and communities.

A big thank you to all our resident doctors – your mahi makes a real difference 💙

Photo 1: (L to R) Resident Medical Officers (RMOs) Caryn Thomas, Antonia Sowter, Erica Laing, Ashleigh Benson, Ella Hartley and Stephen Walker celebrating Resident Doctors’ Day at Greymouth’s Te Nīkau Hospital

Photo 2: (L to R) Rural Generalists Sara Gordon, Sally Peet, Brendan Marshall and Jono Penno with Resident Medical Officers (RMOs) Erica Laing, Stephen Walker, Antonia Sowter, Caryn Thomas and Ella Hartley

Not every sniffle needs a cancellation 🤧Moderate illness, like a cold, runny nose, or mild fever, is usually not a reaso...
21/06/2026

Not every sniffle needs a cancellation 🤧

Moderate illness, like a cold, runny nose, or mild fever, is usually not a reason to delay childhood immunisations. If you're unsure, give your vaccinator a call before cancelling. Staying on schedule helps keep children protected from preventable diseases 💙

17/06/2026

There is no better protection from the flu, than the flu vaccine.

Katarina Teepa, Public Health Nurse in Canterbury, explains how the flu vaccine works.

You can get you and your family's flu immunisations through your usual GP or doctor, Hauora Māori or Pacific health provider, pharmacists, and you can also book online at bookmyvaccine.nz.

Remember untangling one of these?If you do, it might be time to check in on your health.This Men’s Health Week, take a f...
15/06/2026

Remember untangling one of these?

If you do, it might be time to check in on your health.

This Men’s Health Week, take a few minutes to think about your wellbeing. It’s easy to put your health on the backburner — but a quick check-in now can make a real difference.

💬 How are you really feeling?
💪 Are you keeping active?
🩺 When was your last check-up?

Start with the “What’s Your Score?” tool – a quick, free online survey to see where your health stands and what you might want to focus on.
👉 Check your score here - http://spr.ly/6189BDGNA1

If something doesn’t feel right, reach out to your GP, a health professional, or someone you trust.

09/06/2026

There is no better protection from the flu, than the flu vaccine.

Hear from Katarina Teepa, Public Health Nurse in Canterbury, on why immunisation plays an important role in protecting you and those around you.

You can get you and your family's flu immunisations through your usual GP or doctor, Hauora Māori or Pacific health provider, pharmacists, and you can also book online at bookmyvaccine.nz.

Help protect your community - Let’s work together to stop illegal smoking and va**ng activity.If you see or suspect ille...
09/06/2026

Help protect your community - Let’s work together to stop illegal smoking and va**ng activity.

If you see or suspect illegal to***co sales, report it. Visit: http://healthnz.govt.nz/TellUs 👇

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